Only when light illumines an object can we see its true colors. In the darkness, no matter how earnestly we examine, it is impossible to properly identify the hue of an object. Similarly, the human spirit cannot see itself by seeking itself, but only through seeking the Light that shines from above and allowing It to completely illuminate it, can it then recognize the colors of its own nature. Light does not come from objects, but from an external source…the same way Light does not originate from the human spirit, but from the External Source above. The object is only illumined, as the human spirit is only illumined. So to recognize the object, we need light; the same way to recognize the true nature of the human spirit, we need Light from above.
I believe that is why Jesus taught on several occasions “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God…and all things shall be added unto you” and “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.”
In both cases it does not say to seek yourself, but to seek the Light above.
After all, a child first recognizes its own name when it hears it parents using it to address him. You see? It identifies itself by hearing what its parents call it! Similarly, we can only recognize the name, identity, abilities, and colors of our true spiritual nature when we connect with the Light above.
~Ikenna Q Ezealah
Foundation for Ascent 